Hi all,
We are the owners of a 1997 27' mid bath and have been for a little over 6 years. We have just rolled over 120,000 miles and are starting to do bigger trips in to the back woods of the West.
Is the addition of a bull bar on the front end an actual help in protecting the front from maybe something hit on the road or is it really just for looks?
Thanks and happy trails,
Rod
" Is the addition of a bull bar..."
I've never heard the term "bull bar" before this but I'll presume that you are talking about what is commonly called a 'Brush Guard'. 4x4 off road vehicles are seen with them quite often. I owned and drove a 1977 International Scout for 24 years and most of it's life (it's still on the road under new management) it sported a grill guard. Was it worth it? Not really! Only once can I recall a need for it when I was trying to 'bull' my way through a grove of young aspen trees. ::)
One thing they do is get you started on a path to a Mad Max look. Could be interesting to see and LD careening down forest roads all tarted up like this Westy
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.hRU9ljbNizCnetcr2WUM3QEsDh%26pid%3D15.1&f=1
Or
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.vKpkaBHBBEcdzoZfG_-KFwEsCz%26pid%3D15.1&f=1
I first saw bull bars in Australia where they are called roo bars, and the big rigs that drive across the interior sport them so they don’t have to slow down for the kangaroos. I would bet on a LD the deer would be effectively deflected, the height seems good. Let’s see some photos of at least a mock-up?
We presently have 3 4X4 vehicles (1 is for sale) and have owned 7 of them over the years. Bull bars are mostly just for looks, IMHO. I haven't owned one and don't see a reason to. A winch is an occasionally useful piece of bumper jewelry, but in my world, a bull bar just looks silly.
HD
Deer are the biggest risk and in some areas free grazing cattle can be. Slow it down a bit and try not to drive at night. You'll be ok. Frank
Deer are the biggest risk and in some areas free grazing cattle can be. Slow it down a bit and try not to drive at night. You'll be ok. Frank
I have hit deer twice, once requiring a new grille, surrounding brightwork and headlight. Both time the deer rolled into the ditch, got up and ran off.
Chris
It finishes out the look on most off road vehicles. Provides a bit of protection, and can be used to place added lighting in a convenient location.
I think it looks good on this one.
(http://www.ujointoffroad.com/images/396_Bigfoot_1.jpg)
It finishes out the look on most off road vehicles. Provides a bit of protection, and can be used to place added lighting in a convenient location.
I think it looks good on this one.
(http://www.ujointoffroad.com/images/396_Bigfoot_1.jpg)
Wonder how far over the GVW it it, especially the front axle rating.
The added 4X4 equipment and bumpers add a lot of weight to the front end that is usually near its GVW in its stock form.
Anyway, it sits so high a deer would go under rather than into the front bumper.
Now, if you are going to be cruising the Serengeti , it might be a different story.
Larry
Here is the finishing touch for a Smart Car.
Jim
Pair the Bull Bar with a "Police Interceptor" badge and you'll be among the Lazy Daze elite.
I've had this in my Amazon cart since forever. Only modesty stops me from (ahem) pulling the trigger.
Amazon.com: Genuine Ford XW7Z-5442528-AA Nameplate: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Ford-XW7Z-5442528-AA-Genuine-Nameplate/dp/B005H7DARG/)
"Only once can I recall a need..."
Just thought of something else! My brush guard was made in such a way as to carry a "Hi-Lift" jack in addition to a tow hook and a hitch ball. The hitch ball came in handy when I was trying to place my tent trailer into a tight spot. ;D
It finishes out the look on most off road vehicles. Provides a bit of protection, and can be used to place added lighting in a convenient location.
I think it looks good on this one.
(http://www.ujointoffroad.com/images/396_Bigfoot_1.jpg)
Oh man, that is a purposeful looking class c. Kinda like the love child of a Lazy Daze and an Earthroamer. Oh I just noticed that is a modded Bigfoot. So definitely overweight. But deer won't be able to damage it.
I vote that you should do this. Though too high for deer it may be just right for elk. Too low for moose though. But without the 4WD package the height will be just right. Of course in my experience deer are the kamikaze of the animal kingdom. They will hit you from all angles so will probably dodge the bull bar in any case.
They're pretty much additional weight with no additional function. The vast majority of the available brush guards are fairly thin tubing to save on shipping costs. The nicer ones, integrated into a bumper, add mounting points for winches and tow hooks and other accessories, but with an additional weight penalty. I've seen more than one grill guard fold up into the grill or lights (and once into the radiator) upon impact.
They're for looks.
Even the motorhomes on "The Walking Dead" don't have them, and they plow through herds of zombies.
Even the motorhomes on "The Walking Dead" don't have them, and they plow through herds of zombies.
<smile> Well if the folk on "The Walking Dead" don't need em then I surly don't.........
I had a 78 Cherokee I purchased used. It came with a factory brush bar (it matched the paint anyway) attached. It was great for parking downtown in DC. With all my other cars, I lived in fear of those who parked by ear. People never dinged the front bumper of the Cherokee, and no I did not move the car in front of me with it. It also made a nice towel rack when at the beach once the bugs were removed.
Thanks to all the responses. Well if I don't need them for zombies than I should be ok. Just thinking of deer actuallly but the added weight doesn't work well I would agree.
Slowing down at night seems the best plan.
Happy trails,
Rod
No, the best plan is don't drive at dusk, at night, or dawn...not that they're not out at other times, but these times are particularly high risk. A full size western deer puts a significant dent in that heavy chrome LD bumper...the voice of experience.
All my vehicles also sport deer whistles. Do they work? Reviews are mixed and they aren't very expensive, so I'd rather have them if there's any chance they might work.
Lori Y
2011 24FL
I'm guessing this girl didn't get the message? :o I think she was just trying to keep warm!
I'm guessing this girl didn't get the message? :o I think she was just trying to keep warm!
I'm guess either she jumped on the hood or climbed up there ..... in either case I'm sure the owner will be happy as can be when he/she gets back. <smile>
Must have jumped from about 4' away, judging from the lack of hoofprints in the vicinity.
And the extra 1500 pounds or so on the front seems to go un-noticed by the suspension and the sheetmetal.
I suspect shenanigans.
Chip
Deer whistles...
I put a grizzly bear whistle on my motorcycle. We haven't had one dart in front of us ever since I installed it.
HD
RE: Cow on BMW
Not exactly the same thing, but . . .
Once upon a time in a different city on the Florida west coast, our backyard neighbor was driving behind a cattle truck. And, yes, a cow fell on her car hood. 'Twas an interesting phone call she made to her husband.
Virtual hugs,
Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com)
Today: Pomegranate Seeds and Persimmon Slices
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Gives a whole new meaning to the notion of a "cow catcher." ;D
Given LDy Lulubelle's recently completed spa treatment, I'm glad the grazing season is over & the tenant has pulled the cattle off the pasture...curious noseprints would be quite unwelcome--what I'd really like is a USS Enterprise diburnium-osmium alloy force field. ;D
Lynne